WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — In a sudden and largely unannounced shake-up, Indian American FBI Director Kash Patel has been quietly removed from his additional role as acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), less than two months after taking on the dual responsibilities. Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll has taken over as acting ATF director while continuing to lead the U.S. Army—a highly unusual move that has left many ATF employees and government insiders confused.

Patel, who was sworn in as acting ATF director on February 24, 2025, just days after assuming the helm at the FBI, had reportedly not been seen at any ATF facility “for weeks,” according to NBC News. His absence sparked confusion within the agency, especially since his name and photo remained on the ATF’s official website as of early April.

Despite the internal uncertainty, the Department of Justice confirmed that Patel’s removal was not due to poor performance. DOJ spokesperson Harrison Fields told reporters that Patel’s leadership at the ATF was meant to be temporary and that he is now “excelling” in his role at the FBI. The Associated Press reported that Patel was formally removed in late February, only days after taking office, though senior ATF staff weren’t informed until early April.

Glenn Thrush of The New York Times described the leadership switch as “unusual,” speculating that Patel’s demanding schedule as FBI director likely played a role. Managing both agencies—each with sprawling, complex mandates—may have simply been too much. The ATF focuses on violent crime, gun trafficking, arson, and bombings, while the FBI handles a wide array of national and international security threats.

Some ATF insiders told Reuters that Patel had only visited the agency’s headquarters once and had little direct engagement with staff. While he initially encouraged a focus on violent gang crime, employees said his involvement seemed to end there.

Adding to the intrigue, Patel has remained visible in the public sphere. In March, he posted a photo on the social media platform X, wearing a camouflage vest and declaring, “I am 1000% behind this FBI.” He was also spotted in the owners’ box at Capital One Arena alongside hockey legend Wayne Gretzky during a game where Alex Ovechkin tied Gretzky’s career goal record.

Meanwhile, his deputy at the FBI, Dan Bongino—a former MAGA-aligned podcaster—reportedly requested a 24/7 FBI security detail, a request considered highly unusual and not previously granted to others in that position, according to NBC News. The move has fueled further questions about the internal dynamics of the FBI under Patel’s leadership.

Driscoll’s appointment as acting ATF director was likely procedural. Already Senate-confirmed as Army Secretary, Driscoll provided a legally smooth path for an interim leadership transition. However, his dual role blurs traditional lines between defense and domestic law enforcement. There is no indication yet how long he will remain in both posts.

The leadership shuffle comes amid growing speculation about a possible merger between the ATF and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)—a restructuring move aimed at streamlining operations and cutting costs, according to Reuters.

For now, the Department of Justice has yet to issue a formal public statement explaining the change. The lack of communication has left ATF staff “shocked and confused,” with many learning about the switch only after media inquiries began.

While Driscoll is expected to stabilize leadership at the ATF in the short term, the agency’s long-term direction remains uncertain, especially with talk of organizational changes on the horizon.